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THE NEWSPAPER OF SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1913 VOLUME 99, ISSUE 35
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012
MLK mural beautifies State Route 94 campus
The mural that has been a work in progress for six years, is now unveiled for all to see.
BACKPAGE STORY PAGE 8
Michele Pluss
You ever taken a life before? The life in people’s eyes is there, then it’s gone forever.
Staff Writer
More than 50 years after his famous speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream lives on in the everyday lives of San Diegans, this time in the form of a mural along the eastbound side of State Route 94. The mural spans 225 feet long and stands 20 feet high and it was created by the hands of San Diego State art professors Neil Shigley and Philip Matzigkeit. The murals location was secured by a Caltrans grant more than six years ago and has been a work in progress for Matzigkeit. He met with Shigley about a year ago and upon seeing Shigley’s sketches, of King, he knew he found the perfect portrait artist for his project. Of his many pieces, Shigley said this public mural is “by far the most important piece (he’s) worked on or will work on in the future.” “I think the responsibility of all fathers and all mothers to
OPINION PAGE 6: ROBOSQUIRREL paige nelson , photo editor
The 225-feet long mural is displayed on the eastbound side of State Route 94. The Martin Luther King Jr. inspired mural was created by SDSU art professors, Neil Shigley and Philip Matzigkeit.
their children is to share what his life was about, to pass on his legacy—one that he lived for, one that he worked so hard for, one that he fought for and one that he ultimately died for so that (our) children can carry on in some way his legacy,” Shigley said. “That’s what I hoped it would lead to; when people see that (mural), it brings to mind the great work this man did and sacrifice (he made)
for all of us.” The mural, inspired by an African woodblock style, was unveiled last Saturday during a dedication event. The event was accompanied by an original composition performed by SDSU Assistant Professor of Music Richard Thompson. The mural now stands 20-feet high and 225-feet long symbolizing to San Diegans the passion King had.
“(King) was such a great man. He changed the world, really, in a lot of ways; he changed people’s ideas, changed how they think of themselves and others (and) he did it all with his words, with his ideas, with his passion, with his love. That’s what sets him apart, sets him above, so many other people who have affected the world,” Shigley said.
Peters Tennis SDSU shows diversity among grads battles for the 52nd racks up campus
Hannah Beausang
the wins
tennis
Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams competed at the USTA/ITA Regionals, where each team performed well Matthew Bain Contributor
Fresh off impressive performances in their most recent tournaments, the men’s and women’s tennis teams competed in the U.S. Tennis Association Regionals. The women’s tennis team, competed in the UTSA/ITA Southwest Regionals, looking to build momentum after a strong performance at the recent SDSU Fall Classic I. The first day of regionals, held at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, went well for the Aztecs, as they won eight matches. Days two and three were more of a struggle. Junior Julia Wais, ranked 90th in the nation, and sophomore Laura Antonana Iriarte dropped their singles matches in the round of 16. However, the fifth-seeded duo of Wais and senior Alicia Aguilar dominated their doubles match against Ali Facey and Sarah Gong from the University of California, Irvine, 8-2, to advance to day three. Because of rainy weather at the Barnes Tennis Center, the TENNIS continued on page 7
Staff Writer
election
San Diego State boasts an alltime high in graduation and diversity rates. According to SDSU NewsCenter, the six-year graduation rate is at 66.5 percent, an increase from 65.7 percent in 2011. Graduation rates increased to 63.5 percent from the previous 61.3 percent of diverse students last year. Freshman to sophomore continuation rates are an indication of future graduation rates. This fall, 88.5 percent of all 2011 freshmen reenrolled for their second year. From the multicultural freshmen, 87.4 percent of students re-enrolled for their second year. A recent campus census reported SDSU is considered a national leader in closing the “achievement gap” between students. Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Ethan Singer discussed the impact of increased
Leonardo Castaneda Opinion Editor
T
DIVERSITY continued on page 2
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Diversity among San Diego State graduates has increased from last year and is at an all-time record high.
and everyone benefits from that,” Singer said. “More importantly,
More importantly it allows us to attract more and more applications and parents will be able to be confident that their students are going to get through and graduate. Ethan Singer Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
rates on SDSU’s public image. “The increased graduation rate brings prestige to the campus
students are going to get through and graduate.” Singer said high school seniors are more prepared for college more than ever before. Because of student excellence, SDSU is continually recognized nationally for academic successes. Programs on campus such as living learning communities, study abroad opportunities and undergraduate research play a role in motivating students and increasing diversity. The Educational Opportunity Program, Early Start and Summer Bridge programs, among others, have also proven beneficial.
his election season, San Diego is experiencing a rare moment in modern U.S. politics: a closely contested congressional race. Historically, congressional elections favor incumbents. In 2010, more than 94 percent of congressional incumbents won their reelection bids. This has made the campaign for the 52nd District between incumbent congressman Brian Bilbray and Scott Peters one of the most closely watched races in the nation. For years, the 50th Congressional District was a reliably Republican seat. Republican Randall “Duke” Cunningham held it until he was forced out by corruption charges. In 2006 Bilbray, a Republican, won the seat in a special election and has held the position ever since. However, following the 2010 census, the district was redrawn and renamed the 52nd. This new district doesn’t have the clear Republican voter registration advantage the 50th did. Registered voters are split roughly one-third Democrat and one-third Republican. However, more than 27 percent of registered voters
it allows us to attract more and more applications and parents will be able to be confident that their